The UK government’s white paper consultations have sparked controversy as gambling ad bans may no longer become a rule! (Photo by Hugues de BUYER-MIMEURE on unsplash.com)
The government has backpedalled on the earlier proposition to ban gambling advertisements, a decision that has fuelled fierce debates amongst anti-gambling and non-profit organisations that focus on curtailing gambling addiction.
According to the UK government, stats suggesting that gambling ads are causing gambling addiction do not come with enough evidence to support this claim. That’s one heck of a bombshell, as I certainly didn’t expect a U-turn like this. However, I have said in numerous reports covering the ad ban policy in Australia that some of the rules are over the top.
And Australia’s ad ban idea had some influence over the UK following a similar path. However, the pathway for the UK government and the UKGC has taken a significant U-turn. More information is available via the UK White Paper Reform Consultations report.
In particular, it covers the point regarding The Impact of Early Exposure to Gambling on Adult Life and the ongoing consultations which have resulted in the ad ban U-turn. These consultations profoundly affect what was initially published as ‘ideas’ in the draft UK gambling White Paper. Detractors believe this could potentially elevate gambling participation and subsequent harm, especially among vulnerable factions.
So far, the newspaper reported that the UK government has officially stepped back on a gambling ad ban is a report in the Guardian newspaper as well as few iGaming publications.
GmableAware Has Long Been Against Gamble Ads
GambleAware is one such organisation that has made it clear that it is against the marketing of gambling activities. The company recently made its position clear on gambling ads.
“The insufficient oversight of promotions and advertisements in the gambling sector is glaring, especially concerning safeguarding minors. Approximately 45% of young individuals between 11 and 17 encounter weekly gambling promotions on various social media platforms. Studies we conducted indicate that heightened encounters with gambling advertisements may mould perceptions about gambling and raise the propensity for engaging in gambling activities later on, consequently amplifying the potential for adverse effects”.
The full response from the organisation can be found via the GambleAware response to the Gambling White Paper publication.
BGC Strengthening Youth Protection in Digital Advertising
Despite the U-turn on gambling ads, that does not mean protecting youngsters is off the agenda. The Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) has unfolded stringent guidelines to shield minors from encountering gambling-related digital advertising.
Set to commence on 1st December 2023, these revamped protocols incorporate the extension of the 25+ rule to all digital media outlets offering proficient age restrictions, alongside a 20% safer gambling message embodied within digital advertisements, transcending the previous confines of television and radio broadcasts.
Industry’s Upheld Commitment
Michael Dugher, the BGC’s chief executive, reaffirmed the body’s unwavering devotion to enhancing industry standards and insulating the youth from harmful influences. This announcement coincides with the documented decline in underage gambling – a notable dip from 23% in 2011 to 7% in 2022, as documented in the Gambling Commission’s recent report. Readers can refer to the latest Young People and Gambling Report published in 2022 to corroborate these statistics.
Forging Ahead with Collaborative Efforts
Additionally, Stuart Andrew MP, the DCMS Minister, is orchestrating a pivotal meeting to nurture continuous improvement in the sector. This development marks a collaborative stride, with organisations such as Bacta, the Bingo Association, and the Lotteries Council amalgamating efforts with the BGC to devise these critical norms. Furthermore, it’s pertinent to highlight the significant contribution of the regulated industry to the UK’s fiscal landscape, pumping £7.1bn into the GVA and underpinning 110,000 jobs nationwide.
More information on this topic is available directly from the BCC website in its recent news report – BGC ad rules to protect under 18s.
Summary
- BGC introduces stringent guidelines
- Initiative commences December 2023
- Chief executive reaffirms commitment
- Collaborative industry advancements underway
- Significant contribution to the UK economy
Livecasinocentral’s Opinion on Gambling Ad Bans
Here at Livecasinocentral we are in the middle of how we think the UK should handle gamble ads. There are so many variables to the topic that we can’t give a one-size-fits-all opinion. Plus, we have some bias, which means we lean in favour of gambling ads as we are an online gambling portal.
Here are some opinions:
- Ads do encourage people to gamble. Yet, they usually appeal to those who already gamble or would like a flutter. As per the UK Affordability Checks news report stats by finder.com research, only an individual spends £141 annually or £2.70 weekly on gambling. It’s hardly a stat to worry the nation.
- Watersheds are a good idea. Reducing the exposure of gambling ads to those under the age of 18 is something the government does need to work on. As per the ‘BGC Strengthening Youth Protection in Digital Advertising’ section, this issue is actively being tackled.
Disclaimer: These are only our opinions. They do not reflect the views of the wider internet audience. I fully expect people to disagree. If you want your say, please comment, and we can discuss the topic on this page.
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